Fist Aid Kit

The contents of a first aid kit should vary depending on the kind of the journey.  The kit for travel in remote regions should include more as opposed to that for travel mostly in cities where proximity to emergency rooms allows expert medical care at any time of the day.  A basic kit should include the following:

•   Elastic 4 inch bandage with Velcro closure

•   Sterile gauze pads (2” and 4”)

•   Cotton

•   Anti-itch lotion or cream (hydrocortisone)

•   Antiseptic for cleansing wounds

•   Antibiotic ointment - to prevent infection of minor wounds

•   Latex gloves

•   Clean towel - for a pillow or as a wrap for ice

•   Chemical ice packs

It is also important to have some basic medicines on hand in your family's medicine cabinet. 

·      Pain and/or fever reliever- such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

•   Decongestant and cough medicine.

•   Antihistamine for allergic reactions.

•   Antacid for upset stomach

•   Antidiarrheal

•   Eye drops

•   Thermometer, tweezers and scissors.

•   Blanket

What to bring along

What folks carry on a trip varies widely. I always carry my driver’s license, a secondary photo ID or my passport for overseas travel, my health insurance card(s) as well as credit cards and cash.  Make sure you make copies of your passport and other documents and keep them in the backpack and also leave copies at home.  In case you loose the originals they will help the local consulate issue a temporary passport.  My personal preference is to travel light.  I only take what I can fit in a small suitcase that measures 60x40x20 cm and in a small backpack.  In the United States and in Europe even if you have forgotten something you can find it locally. The following are the categories and items in each that usually carry.  Those can be altered depending on the length of the trip, the season, the place, the reason for travel and personal needs and desires.

Clothes

Jeans and a pair of slacks, two shirts, 5 T-shirts, 5 briefs, one T-shirt with long sleeves, sweaters (light, heavy), jackets (light, heavy), one pair of wool shocks, two pairs of regular shocks, scarf and wool hat.

Toiletries

Two pair of glasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, body wash.  Shaving cream and razor may not be needed if you decide to let your beard to grow on long trips.

First Aid Kit

Please bring an ample supply of prescription medicines for pre-existing conditions such as for blood pressure or diabetes etc.  I will write about what else you may consider bringing in my next post.

Computer(s)

I usually pack my laptop, its charger and adapter(s), for overseas travel in the backpack in order to carry them with me especially when I travel by plane. I think all of you have seen how suitcases are handled at the airports and when the load them in the cargo space of airplanes.  I do the same for my iPhone, its charger and car-charger. If you use your smartphone as camera as I am sure you do nothing else is needed.  If you bring a camera remember to bring the cable to download the pictures to your laptop.  In long trips consider bringing a Kindle or paper book, Finally, because of the multitude of devices we carry, an external battery can be used for charging if an outlet is not available.  Finally, a lowly flash drive can be used to transfer files from computer to computer although this can be accomplished with other means such as email or sending them via the cloud.

Miscellaneous

Multi-purpose tool, nail clippers, paper and pens for note taking.

Laundry detergent allows for washing clothes at hotels that have washing machines and dryers.  If you cannot find washers/dryers some of our clothes such as T-shirts or underclothes can be hand washed and hang to dry on the shower curtain rail which guarantees having clean and dry clothes next morning.

On the Road Again ...

Common sense dictates before embarking on a long distance trip the car should be checked especially if the travel includes remote regions of the country or the world.   

Check the thread and pressure of the tires including the spare tire.  The recommended pressure is listed in the car manual and usually is between 32-38 PSI.  I strongly recommend for travelers to learn how to replace a flat.  A triangle and flares are useful in case of a breakdown.

A mechanic should check all engine’s fluid levels (oil, brake, radiator, transmission and windshield), the belts, the brakes and the lights.

Engine parts such as a fuel pump and fuses can make the difference between a quick repair and getting on the road again or remain stranded until the part arrives to a remote location.

Having a GPS is extremely useful.  Smartphones are as good maybe better for navigation within cities.  I like having a old fashion map as it shows me the lay of the land.

Other Important Members of the Family

Orion, a Golden Retriever, was our first dog and what a sweet dog he was.  My first real interaction with dogs was when Orion became not only our pet but family member.   In this photograph he is looking at the Olentangy River.  This post is a homage to the 14 wonderful years we spent together.  He will never be forgotten. 

In this photograph, John and Orion, when both were young, playing in the snow.

I raised Argos, my dog in Greece, for three months when he was a puppy.  He now lives with a lovely young couple and Mark their one year old son.  I visit Argos every time I am in Greece.  I am sure he is wondering when his father will end his itinerant lifestyle.

The two cats are Pounce to the right and Theo to the left.  I am not going to take sides to the argument if dogs or cats are more clever and loveable, as I like both.

The newest arrival in the family is Louis.  King Louis is a hunting dog. He is a mixed breed beagle and Jack Russell.  He is also a sweet dog that likes chasing squirrels, birds and other little critters.